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J. William Schmitt

September 08, 1936 - January 02, 2021

Text:

Obituary For J. William Schmitt

Age 84, on Saturday, January 2, 2021, of Whitehall Borough.

Beloved husband of Patricia Schmitt; father of Bill (Peggy) Schmitt of Upper St. Clair, Jim (Lynn) Schmitt of Bethel Park, Mike (Susan) Schmitt of Greensburg; grandfather of Brooke (Ryan) Turnbull, Andrew Schmitt, Matthew Schmitt, Lauren Mullins, Eric Schmitt and Ryan Schmitt; great-grandfather of Greyson and Ayla; brother of the late Thomas and Peggy Schmitt. Also survived by nieces and nephews. Chief Schmitt served the Whitehall Police Department for nearly 47 years, and became chief in 1974 at age 38. His tenure as Whitehall chief ranks as one of the longest in the state, and he never took a sick day. Chief Schmitt has been an active member and officer of various law enforcement boards and is the recipient of many awards. He was instrumental in having organ donor information placed on state driver's licenses, was an advocate of changes in Child Youth Services procedures, and was a guiding force in creating the South HIlls Area Council of Governments' police chiefs committee, which provides efficient coordination of emergency services. Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Sunday and Monday, January 10 and 11, 2021 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A Blessing Service will be held on Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. in the John F. Slater Funeral Home Chapel. Due to the current public health crisis, masks and social distancing guidelines must be adhered to.

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Condolences

  • January 25, 2021

    Cathy McNeilly

    Dearest Mrs. Schmitt & Family: My fondest personal and professional memories venture back to the late 1980's when I first met the Chief - and yourself not long after. You have both modeled all the values we should strive hard to emulate when it comes to love of God, Family and Community. Thank you for your generous prayers for ME - please rest assured you now remain in my prayers for comfort and strength. We are so very sorry for you deep loss.

  • January 12, 2021

    Bill Joyce

    Rest in Peace Chief, It was great Knowing you, Knew chief Schmitt when investigating a Doctor in Whitehall with DEA. Chief Schmitt was the greatest "I think I made right Choice Chief".

  • January 10, 2021

    Cheryl wilhelm

    So sorry for your loss. Remember him stopping many times at our house on the patrol car. My father was John Wagner. Patrolman

  • January 10, 2021

    Darlene Goetz

    So sad to hear of Chief Schmitt's passing. My father John Wagner worked beside Chief Schmitt for many years as Whitehall policeman. I had many interactions with him during my childhood and young adult life and found him to be a caring individual who supported his officers through good and difficult times. He will be missed.

  • January 09, 2021

    Sheldon Epstein

    Pat and family, Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss of Bill. Chief Bill Schmitt was one of trail blazers for law enforcement in Allegheny Co. and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He was an honorable man, who I greatly admired and respected. He was also a very good friend to me. His death is a great loss to all of us. With deepest sympathy, Sheldon Epstein

  • January 09, 2021

    ELMER FALCIONE

    My Sincere Condolences to the Dear Family of Chief Schmitt. You can take Pride in knowing that Your Loved One, was a Perfect Representative of a Great, Dedicated, and Professional Police Chief, and Fellow Officer, while Serving His Community of Whitehall, and the State of Pennsylvania. He Will be Missed by All. May His Beloved Family and Friends, get through this Trying time,.... knowing that His Heavenly Father Will Give You Comfort at this Sad Time. Rest In Peace Chief, you have Served your Community Well. With Sympathy, Elmer Falcione Ret. ACPD F.O.P. Lodge # 91

  • January 06, 2021

    Chris Kelly

    I fondly remember my first encounter with the Chief. He was all business and was very clear that he was motivated by enhancing the police position. A leader so ahead of his time. It was pleasure to work along side of the chief.

  • January 06, 2021

    Rick Maddamma

    Rest in Peace Chief Schmitt. Our family sends our condolences to the Schmitt family. Thank you chief for all the great things you did serving the community. I appreciate the time getting to know you better after you retired. I hope you shoot par on the courses in heaven.

  • January 05, 2021

    David Phillips

    Bill was a good friend,good husband,good father. He will be missed. If you could clone a police officer, Bill would be the perfect example. Love you Bill.

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